Building a Future in Parks and Recreation: Meet Ellison Lambert, MPRTSM ’25

Ellison Lambert is dedicated to creating meaningful community experiences, from coordinating special events to managing volunteer programs. After earning her undergraduate degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from NC State in 2019, Lambert left to make her mark in the field. However, she always envisioned returning to pursue her master’s degree.

“I had an amazing experience during undergrad with the program but wasn’t quite ready to go back to school at that point. I was eager to get into the workforce and apply the things that I learned at NC State,” shared Lambert, who currently serves as the volunteer coordinator for the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department for the Town of Apex.

By 2023, after being promoted to director of special events at Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill, Lambert felt the time was right to pursue her next educational milestone.

“I was very content in my career and personal life, having reached many of the initial goals that I had set for myself. I felt like it was finally the right time to return to school to reach my next goal.”

Choosing the NC State Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management Program

“While I was able to use many of the skills from my degree with special events, I was also interested in returning to the parks and recreation field, with a specific interest in working for a municipality or county parks and recreation department,” she explained.

Lambert was drawn back to her alma mater and the online Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management (MPRTSM) program, specifically.

She first learned about the online MPRTSM program when Online and Distance Education Coordinator Erin Adair came to her undergraduate senior seminar course to discuss the program’s benefits. “I really enjoyed learning about the online format, accelerated program, and affordability,” Lambert recalled.

Now that she was ready to pursue her master’s degree, she set up a meeting with Adair to refresh her knowledge about the program.

“I immediately knew that the NC State MPRTSM program was the route that I wanted to take,” Lambert said. She began classes in the fall of 2023.

Experience in the Online MPRTSM Program

The NC State online Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management program is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in the parks, recreation, tourism and sport management fields. The project-based, practical approach enables students to explore real-world challenges and develop solutions that directly relate to their workplaces or organizations of interest.

As a cohort-based program, the MPRTSM provides students with the flexibility to study around their work schedules while still fostering strong connections with peers and faculty. 

“One of the unique aspects of this program was that it was fully online and cohort-based, which allowed for flexibility with schedules while still building strong connections with my cohort peers,” Lambert explained. “It was interesting to hear each of the other students’ examples from their own jobs across the Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management fields.”

The cohort model created a built-in support system that proved invaluable throughout the program. “Shoutout to my cohort peers turned friends – Ethan Pardue and Mason Cook!” Lambert said. “Dr. [Corey] Johnson placed us in a group together during our first course and we all continued to work with and support each other throughout the program. Those guys helped keep the energy up during some pretty grueling times and were always so encouraging!”

Navigating Life, Work and the Online Parks and Recreation Program

“Balancing working full time and completing a master’s degree required a lot of discipline, organization and time management … but it was totally worth it and was so rewarding,” she reflected. “I stayed on top of my coursework by setting dedicated time for readings, watching lectures and completing coursework during the week.”

Even though Lambert’s work schedule was unpredictable, the flexible structure of the program made it possible to manage all of her obligations. “My job often requires odd hours with after-hour events and meetings, so the online format allowed me the flexibility to dedicate time for class responsibilities around my work schedule.”

Rather than viewing her job as competing with her studies, Lambert found that her professional role actually enhanced her academic experience. “Working while participating in this program enhanced my learning. I have been able to immediately apply concepts from the program to my current role and study my own organization for projects with risk management, organizational leadership and venue management.”

Mentorship and Support in the Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management Program

The faculty in the MPRTSM program played a crucial role in Lambert’s educational journey, providing both academic guidance and personal encouragement.

“Erin Adair is the glue that holds this program together,” Lambert shared. “She is always so encouraging and responsive to students and I appreciate her support and confidence in me.”

Several other professors also made strong impressions on Lambert. “Jason Bocarro has been one of the most impactful professors that I have ever had. His approach to leadership using Bolman and Deal’s teachings will follow me throughout my career.”

Lambert also highlighted the influence of Professor Corey Johnson on her educational experience. “Dr. Corey Johnson was the first professor that I had in this program, and I believe I was also in the first class that he taught at NC State. The Conceptual Foundations course was a wonderful re-introduction to the foundations of leisure, recreation, sport, play and work. His energy was so infectious and he reignited my excitement for the leisure and recreation field.”

Immediate Impact and Looking Forward

Even before completing the program, Lambert began to see tangible benefits in her professional life. “I have already seen impacts from this program, specifically with my leadership skills, risk management and data management,” she noted.

One course in particular had a profound impact on Lambert’s approach to her role. “The Organizational Behavior and Leadership course allowed me the opportunity to analyze my own workplace’s leadership and make recommendations for continued success. While I do not manage other staff members, I do oversee the entire volunteer program and have applied leadership philosophies and traits to the way that I manage these volunteers.”

The program also opened Lambert’s eyes to potential career paths she hadn’t previously considered. “Some of the courses, specifically the Risk Management and Sport and Event Venue Management courses, have opened my eyes to additional future career interests in venue management and risk management.”

Lambert is confident that her master’s degree will continue to benefit her career trajectory. “Earning a master’s degree has opened the door for continued career advancement by equipping me with the confidence and credentials that are needed to pursue leadership roles. I feel more confident in myself as a parks and recreation professional and am excited to see where this degree might take me,” she explained.

Advice for Future Students

For working professionals considering continuing their education, Lambert offers encouraging but practical advice.

“I would encourage them to go for it and to use all the resources that the program gives them to be successful!” she said. “I would highly recommend that they get to know their professors and the other members in their cohort. The faculty and staff in this program all want you to be successful and are more than happy to support however they can.”

Lambert emphasized the importance of self-care while pursuing a graduate degree. “I would also remind other working professionals that might complete this program that it is essential to take care of yourself while doing it,” she explained. “I scheduled out my weeks with work and school, but also scheduled in time to see friends, get outside, and do the things I love most to take care of my physical and mental health. It is all a delicate balancing act, but it was so worth it!”

As she prepared to celebrate her graduation, Lambert reflected on her journey with gratitude and pride.

“I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to complete this program and proud that I can now say I have achieved my goal of earning a master’s degree. I would do it all over again if I had the opportunity to!”

Interested in advancing your career with the online Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management program from NC State Online? Visit the programs page or online.ncsu.edu/programs for a full list of degree and certificate programs.